Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 6, 2026 19 POWE R 50 | GOVERNMENT & POLITICS A runan Arulampalam is the mayor of Hartford. A former nonprofit executive and attorney, he was elected after serving as CEO of the Hartford Land Bank, where he helped launch a program training city residents to become local developers to rehabilitate vacant and blighted properties. Before leading the Land Bank, Arulampalam served as deputy commissioner at the Con- necticut Department of Consumer Protection in the Lamont administration, focusing on consumer protection and enforcement ac- tions affecting tenants and small businesses. Earlier in his career, he practiced law at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy. He has also served on the boards of the Hartford Public Library, House of Bread and the Hartford Redevelopment Authority. Over the past year, Arulampalam said the city reported declines in crime, expanded T homas Wiehl took an unconven- tional path to leading Connecti- cut's utility regulator. After beginning his career as an art major and interning at Marvel Comics, he pivoted to law — drawn to the ambiguity and prob- lem-solving inherent in legal work. D aniel H. O'Keefe was appointed commissioner of economic development by Gov. Ned Lamont in November 2023, and has served as Connecticut's first chief innovation officer since July 2023. He oversees statewide economic strategy, with a focus on com- petitiveness and digital transformation. Over the past year, he said Connecticut has become the fourth-fastest-growing economy in the country. The state has also launched several major initiatives, including Innovation Clusters ($100 million), housing initiatives aimed at redeveloping vacant lots and increasing homeownership opportunities, and launched a neighbor- hood-focused small business program. He also cited expanded youth programming, including the city's Night Gyms initiative, which he said served more than 1,300 children during the summer. Looking ahead, Arulampalam said Hartford is prioritizing housing affordability and addressing downtown office vacancies through adaptive reuse strategies that convert underutilized office buildings into residential units, with the goal of strength- ening the city's tax base and supporting a more active downtown. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Having a mindset for growth, adapting to rapidly changing realities, fostering lead- ership and growth among staff and taking the time to listen to the perspective of all voices, not just the powerful ones. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? The values we all share to build a stronger and more inclusive community that works for everyone. What is one change that would make Con- necticut more competitive economically? Mobilizing to address the housing crisis with the urgency it deserves, and tying new housing opportunities to local and regional transit systems to encourage economic development, growth and improve quality of life for residents. Book recommendations: "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin; "Range" by David Epstein Podcast: "The Intelligence" from The Economist; "Start of the Week" BBC Audio Now chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, Wiehl oversees regulation of Connecticut's electric, gas and water utilities at a time of heightened scrutiny over high energy costs and regulatory stability. He began serving in October 2025 follow- ing leadership turmoil at the agency and its expansion from three to five commissioners. Wiehl previously served as legal and regulatory director for the state Office of Consumer Counsel, where he managed litigation strategy and reg- ulatory proceedings. He also worked as vice president of administration and general counsel for Consumers Petroleum of Connecticut and earlier served as a public defender in Mas- sachusetts. He has been admitted to the bars of Connecticut, Massachu- setts and New Jersey. At PURA, Wiehl said he will emphasize collective decision-making and institu- tional stability. As the state continues to debate electric rates, public benefits charges and regulatory reform, Wiehl has framed PURA's role as balancing consumer protection with ensuring utilities remain financially viable. He lives in Madison with his wife and two sons. QuantumCT ($120 million), Greyfields ($50 million) and Strategic Supply Chain ($50 million). Before entering public service, O'Keefe spent 25 years as a technology investor, most recently as managing partner at Apax Partners. He serves on the boards of the University of Connecticut, Brown University, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, Connecticut Innovations and AdvanceCT. Looking ahead, he said energy affordability remains the state's central economic chal- lenge and opportunity. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Listening more than speaking. Empathy. Empowering those around you to succeed. Humble, quiet excellence. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? I grew up with eight people packed into a three-bedroom home. When I went away to school, all the Connecticut people were the fancy ones. They had been on airplanes, knew how to ski and wore North Face jackets. I vowed that when I "made" it, I would move to Connecticut. And it has been an incredible place to raise my family. But my daughters refuse to wear North Face. What is one change that would make Con- necticut more competitive economically? More affordable housing, and lower energy prices. Arunan Arulampalam Mayor City of Hartford Industry: Local Government No. of employees: 1,400 Education: Bachelor's degree in international relations, Emory University; Law degree, Quinnipiac University School of Law Birthplace: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Daniel O'Keefe Department of Economic and Community Development Commis- sioner & Chief Innovation Officer State of Connecticut Industry: Government Education: MBA, Harvard Business School Birthplace: Natick, Massachusetts Thomas Wiehl Chairman Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Industry: Government/Utility Regulation Education: Bachelor's degree, Bennington College; Master's degree, California College of the Arts; Law degree, UConn School of Law You're building something important. That's why Westfield Bank takes the time to understand your business, your challenges, and your goals— so we can help you move forward with confidence. Let's grow your business, together. 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